Over the last decade, Bali has garnered a near-mythic reputation for the calibre of its club music scene. It’s now more or less obligatory for global acts — pitched at the calibre of Jamie XX or Peggy Gou — to make a dedicated pitstop, en route to Australia, on the ‘Island of Gods’: playing to packed beach clubs in the famously rowdy resort enclave of Seminyak.
Truth be told, Bali owes much of this latter-day clout not just to international talent, but to the region’s passionate local musicians. Individuals entrenched within Bali’s dancehall community, like DITA (real name: Dita Putri Widyanti), are driving the conversation forward.
A classic third-culture kid who grew up in New Delhi, Dita began DJing in 2014 while still at university. The young ingenue’s big break came in 2022, following a well-received session for London music broadcaster Boiler Room.
Now, in tandem with her role as Head of Music Programming at Potato Head, the young selector also spearheads a roster of homegrown talent at Klymax Discotheque — a glittering new club that opened in Seminyak this January, noted for being “designed from ground to sound in partnership with the legendary DJ Harvey.”
“For me, Bali has been a place of deep transformation,” says Dita. “Whatever you’re looking for, you will find here: adventure, relaxation, sport. But what truly sets this part of Indonesia apart is its commitment to regenerative tourism.”
Check out Dita’s Bali travel guide below.
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Stay
Bambu Indah, Sayan
“If you’re after accommodation that is totally unique, Bambu Indah is the spot. Tucked away in Ubud’s jungle, a stay here is like living in a bamboo dream. The villas and river view are insane, and the whole atmosphere is magical. It’s the perfect setting to disconnect, relax and escape to nature.”
“Definitely a must-visit for anybody looking for a fresh, laidback stay like never before.”
Eat & Drink
Fed By Made, Seminyak
“My good friends, Nik [Artha] and [Made] Dhanu, are behind this concept. Both super talented Bali-based creatives. The vibe there is amazing, and the food is next-level: think seasonal, really modern dishes cooked with local produce. Oh, and their merch? Absolutely off the roof!”
“They’ve switched things up recently with a renovation, and now it’s open for walk-ins; with a bar and crazy à la carte menu. It’s one of those places where you can feel how much love and care has gone into everything.”
Room4Dessert, Ubud
“Located in Ubud, this place is truly dessert paradise. Chef Will Goldfarb’s 21-course tasting menu takes you on a sweet journey with garden bites, inventive dishes, and crazy little treats. It’s like stepping into another world.”
“The quirky dining space and magical gardens — including ‘The Lab’, where the team experiment with various confections — make this feel like real-life Wonkaland.”
Shop
Karat, Kuta Utara
“Karat’s the kind of space where there is basically something for everybody. Run by our good friends and family — Krishna Sudharma, Kai of Tantrà collective, and Theo [Kusuma] from Devá States — it offers an amazing selection of clothing and jewellery, super yummy drinks and even a restaurant.”
Gaya Ceramics, Ubud
“If you’re into ceramics, Gaya is the place to visit in Bali. Founded by a lovely Italian couple, who are super-passionate about supporting local craftsmanship, this shop has the best collection. Plates, mugs, cool sculptures — everything’s handmade by local artisans.”
“This spot is highly recommended if you’re in the market for a gift or a really unique souvenir to take home. Plus, the whole place is set amid a beautiful garden, giving the whole experience the feeling of an art retreat.”
Play
Klymax Discotheque, Seminyak
“AKA: the best club in the world!”
“I guess as somebody so young I never got to experience the ‘Golden Age’ of clubs like Paradise Garage or Studio 54, yet I’m still really grateful to get a sense of what it must have been like in the 1970s and 1980s. I love every detail at Klymax: the sound, the space, music direction, and elevated booth.”
“You can dance in essentially any direction (not towards the DJ) and the sound feels great. Plus: it’s always nice when you see people who are clearly at the venue for the club and the sound — all without phones in their hands.”
Astungkara Way, Ubud
“If you crave real cultural experiences, Astungkara Way is a must-visit. It isn’t just about trekking or regenerative farming, but also about connecting with the land, people, and Balinese way of life.”
“The trails that give this regenerative enterprise its name offer you a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature. Part of the experience is meeting local communities who are living simply and sustainably. There are walking tours of various lengths: the quickest takes three nights, but you can also go all in on a 10-day coast-to-coast trek if you’re up for it!”
Tarum House Of Natural Dye, Gianyar Regency
“A local gem hidden in Gianyar, the family who own and operate this small factory have a huge heart for the environment.”
“Tarum is Bali’s biggest all-natural dyeing workshop: I can’t really think of any other manufacturers in Indonesia who are working in the same way. The team get all of their colours straight out of nature, which makes every piece that they create unique.”
“It’s a must-see. Visit the factory, or the workshop if you want to get hands-on, and then purchase a range of one-off pieces at the end of your tour.”
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